Desert RATS field trip by an astronaut and geologist
Exploring an asteroid with the Desert RATS Earlier this month, European scientists linked up with astronauts roaming over the surface of an asteroid. Desert RATS, NASA's realistic simulation of a future mission, this year included a European dimension for the first time. It was not really an asteroid, but a desert near Flagstaff in Arizona, USA. Since 1999, scientists, astronauts and engineers from various NASA establishments and universities have gathered once a year to simulate human missions to the Moon and Mars. Desert RATS - Desert Research and Technology Studies - have tested rovers, habitats, spacesuits, instruments, robots, communication systems, research methods and other technical, scientific and operational aspects of future missions. These realistic 'missions' in extreme environments help to guide planning for future space exploration and build valuable experience in complex operations. Fly me to an asteroid This time, the crew of astronauts and geologists 'landed' on a nearby asteroid and ventured out on field trips - by foot and on two Space Exploration Vehicles.
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